After graduating from the CIA, Cincinnati-born Jim Gerhardt landed an internship in his backyard at the acclaimed Maisonette, where he worked side-by-side with Dean Fearing. He later followed Fearing to the lauded Mansion on Turtle Creek, before moving on to cook at several Caribbean resorts.

The 41-year-old is now the top toque at The Seelbach, Louisville's grandest hotel, where his cooking has been described as upscale mountain cuisine and Kentucky fine dining. So, what's with the golf clubs? I love to play golf. It's a great way to get rid of my old frustrations and